external image h2_47.100.33.jpgBox with Sleeping Eros, 300's :

This is an early Byzantine silver box found on the site of the ancient city Tastassus, now known as Tastous in Syria. This box is decorated with embossed figures and objects, but thier purpose is unknown. All that we know is that this box was used to hold objects with great value to its owner. The cover of the box depict Eros or commonly known as Cupid, the god of love sleeping on a lion's skin with his bow and quiver in his hand. The sides of the box is decorated with the heads of bulls, that meant strength and virility in earlly religions. Over all, the designs that make this box unique show that the traditions of the Greek and Rome periods remained popular in the region.

Source: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/47.100.33

Ancient Rome: The Roman Agora

One of Rome's current event was discovering the market place of Caesar and Augustus. This area was located on the north side of the Acropolis. Here Caesar and Augustus provided the funds for its construction that consists of a large, open-air courtyard. It is surrounded by colonnades on all four sides. On the eastern side, there are a series of shops; on the southern side was a fountain; on the west side was the main entrence. All of this lead up to a public latrine and the "Tower of the Winds". The Roman Agora apparently became the main market of the city, taking over many commerical functions.

Source: http://www.stoa.org/athens/sites/romagora.html

Ancient Rome's History:

Early setterlers of Rome established the city along the Tiber River. As civilization grew, the Romans developed a new form of government called a republic. In a republic, citizens had the right to vote and select thier leaders. By the time Augustus came to power, the Roman Empire had not grown far from its starting point, but he changed that up. Under Augustus' rule, the Roman Empire had streched and had gained more land. The Romans tolerated many religions in the empire, among the results of this religion was a new religion. The teachings of Jesus, this religion eventually became known as Christianity. Over time, the Roman Empire slowly became weaker and weaker. Weak and corrupt rulers, a mercenary army, distant territories opened to attack and economic problems all contributed to the fall of Rome.

Source: World Studies: The Ancient World (Textbook)